Ipswich community responds to body recovered in River Orwell

Officers from Suffolk police were called at about 3.15pm on Tuesday to reports of a man falling into the water in the wet dock area by the Waterfront, off Helena Road. 

Multiple emergency services including Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, the East of England Ambulance Service and an HM Coastguard helicopter were all in attendance. 

Later at 11pm they recovered a man's body from the river and have since informed his next of kin. 

George Lankester said he was saddened by the news. (Image: Ipswich Borough Council) Ipswich borough councillor for the area George Lankester responded on behalf of all Hollywells councillors and stated that they were saddened by the news.

He said: "I am deeply saddened by this morning's news, and my thoughts are with his family, friends and all those affected.

"Thank you to the police, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and the East of England Ambulance Service who all supported the search operation."

The incident took place on Tuesday.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Resident Joan Smith was walking by the Waterfront when she noticed the emergency services on Tuesday.

"It was weird to suddenly see so many people crowded around the waterfront, and I couldn't help but see what happened," she remembered.

"It is terribly sad to hear about this, and my thoughts go to the family of the man."

Residents saw an HM Coastguard helicopter around the Waterfront.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Café staff Richard Burnell said he was alerted by the sound of the Coastguard's helicopter, and said that he rushed to the scene. 

"I don't know what happened, but I am glad that the services were quick to come to the scene and look for the man," he said.

"They worked really hard and they deserve some praise."

The man's body was discovered at about 11pm on Tuesday. (Image: Shikhar Talwar) After being called to the scene on Tuesday, several police cars created a cordon at the end of Helena Road and people were advised to avoid the Waterfront area. 

A spokesman for the fire service said crews from Ipswich East, Princes Street and Bury St Edmunds were at the scene after receiving reports a person had fallen in the water. 

The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner in due course.